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It is rather comical and amusing that few Nagas are vehemently squabbling over the whether Mr. Phizo can or cannot be called the “Father of the Nation”. This is an honorific title conferred to a man considered to have been the driving force behind the establishment of a Nation. In simple terminology a recognized Nation must first exist for the application of such a title. I said it is comical because we do not have a Nation of our own yet and amusing because we are wasting our time fighting over a fatherhood of a non-existing nation. Without doubt, Mr. Phizo at this point in time, qualifies to be referred to as a father but beyond this…without a nation? What? We cannot preempt a nation that is still being fought for. Should that Nation ever become reality, it still remains the prerogative of history to confer or defer this title from the ground realities events. It will not happen because one is able to exert brute force.

This brings us to the oft repeated and childish concoction of twisted Naga history by Mr. Kaka D. Iralu. His myopic rendition of Naga History reduces it to irrelevance as seen from his response to ‘Lt. Col.’ S.A Chishi. (25th August 2013: Nagaland Post). Though this letter has not been addressed to me I too react since he has written it for the information of all Nagas.
NNC and the FGN are the two sides of the same coin. NNC cannot discard the action of FGN when the going gets rough and wallow in its glory when the time is congenial. But Shillong Accord was signed jointly by the representatives of NNC and the FGN with the tacit understanding and approval of people like Zashei Huire and V. Metha. It is a blatant lie to claim that “NNC had nothing to do with it”. It is the same expression made by Madam Adino in her Naga Independence Day message which sounded as awful and as hollow.

The Federal Emergency meeting held from 29th November to December 1st 1975 at Ura Dihoma was not a fictitious gathering. Just so that the people can judge for themselves let me once again quote verbatim, the relevant segment of the resolution of this meeting:
(Quote): “A careful study along with the implications of each item has been made and decision taken is as follows:-

The Emergency Meeting, having received the Report from the Federal and NNC Representatives on the Shillong Accord, and having made a serious study of the matter, urged that the Accord be forwarded to Mr. A.Z.Phizo, President of the Naga National Council and Representative of the Federal Government of Nagaland Abroad, for his consent, and hereby re-affirmed that the Talks between the Government of India and the Nagas be conducted by him, so that the final settlement that could be reached with the Government of India might not leave any trail of bitterness among the Nagas”.(Unquote) These same words have been repeated in a statement on 30-12-1975 by Mr. Zashei Huire. He has further said (Quote) “THEREFORE, the Naga Federal authority is morally and legally not competent to include the Number One (1) and the Number three (3) of the SHILLONG ACCORD until this subject is taken up by the competent authority.

We are only competent to carry out the No.2 of the Shillong Accord. We would expect that the Government of India will come to appreciate our present position,” (Unquote)
Clause II of Shillong Accord was implemented. One would be a fool to act upon an agreement that one does not recognize. Clause (I) and (III) was officially forwarded to Mr. Phizo for his co nsent. Does this sound like Shillong Accord did not happen?

From the entire record stated above three things should be clear to anyone with a gray matter. 1. The Shillong Accord was signed by NNC and Federal Government Representatives as confirmed in the Emergency meeting of FGN; There are other sources which confirm this fact. The feeble excuse made by Madam Adino that “some of our people were mislead” in her Naga Independence Day message is a clear admission of an act having been committed, mislead or not. It was all the more reason for Mr. Phizo to officially denounce this stupid mislead Accord instead of being “not silent”.

2. Clause ( I ) and (III) were officially repeat officially forwarded to Mr. Phizo for his consent; It was his National Responsibility to officially reply to the official correspondence and not ignore it. Even as the President of the NNC it was not his personal prerogative to exercise his own whims to reply or not to reply. It was an official obligation that he did. If “He simply did not give recognition to the Shillong Accord”as Kaka says, what was his problem in not being able to communicate it to the FGN accordingly? Laziness? Or that he could not bring himself to officially condemn his own brother’s commission?

3. Clause (II) was accepted and acted upon; This part, we and the world knows. Did Mr. Phizo reprimand Mr. Zashei Huire for implementing this part of the agreement that he did not recognize? The fact that it was acted upon registers the reality of a serious agreement. Mr. Phizo seemed to have given up on the Nagas with his ultra “not silent” indifferent wisdom.
Does all the above proceedings of the Federal Government of Nagaland give the readers a feeling that Shillong Accord 1975 is someone’s fictitious story that did not happen, as expressed by Madam Adino in her Independence Day massage and continues to be harped upon by blind loyalist like Mr. Kaka D. Iralu?

Did Mr. Phizo think that Mr. Zashei Huire was a nursery school boy and his forwarding such an issue of National importance unworthy of an official response? Mr. Phizo “was not silent on the Shillong Accord” says Mr. Kaka D. Iralu.

“He simply did not give recognition to the Shillong Accord” Imagine peddling an atrocious excuse like this! Please do not keep insulting the Nagas with this repeated myopic crap. Mr. Phizo’s “Not silent” and “Did not give recognition” left his flock in a serious state of confusion that resulted in the fragmentation of the Organization. Mr. Phizo undid his life work and brought down the house he had built.

This is what history will record. No Naga will deny Mr. Phizo’s critical contribution to the National Movement but he has left behind a poor legacy in the aftermath. It is unfortunate that his daughter, who could set the record straight, has instead opted for the path of perpetuating the chaos left behind by her father.

Father of the Nation? Which Nation… Confusion? If the fanatically irrational loyalist still want a temporary title usage for Mr. Phizo, the only title readily available is a “Father of no Nation” because we do not have a Nation and the rest…History will decide in its own sweet time if ever.

If you want to deride and condemn my 16 years labor of writing about our history as “childish concoction of twisted Naga history” and “myopic crab”, you can have the privilege to do so. I can take all your criticism in my stride as a Naga gentleman. So go ahead brother and write even more derogatory criticisms against me, for I am not the least bothered about your opinion on me. As for me, I stand by what I have written and will apologize to anyone, only if they can substantiate their accusations with historical facts and documents.

You may also please note that my so called concocted history contains many names and father’s names and village names with dates including so many Sema martyrs who laid down their lives in defense of our sovereign nation. But as for your understanding of what a nation is- our views are worlds apart. As far as I am concerned, whether India or the UN recognizes it or not, a nation is a nation if they have a concrete historical record about their forefathers and a concrete geographical land that they have inhabited for thousands of years. Such a nation has its own inalienable right and prerogative to declare its own independence irrespective of anybody’s consent or approval. As far as I am concerned, Nagas too are such a nation.

When hundreds of thousands of Nagas have laid down their lives so that you and I can have a country we can call our own, please do not insult their sacrifices as sacrifices for a non existent Naga nation. For 62 years, their blood and their tears have stained the very soil on which you and I have built our homes and raised our children.

As for your other allegations that “the Shillong Accord was signed jointly by the representatives of NNC and FGN with the tacit understanding and approval of people like Zashei Huire and V. Metha,” let the NNC and FGN leaders reply you. As for me, I am not an official of either organizations and their officials also have no obligation to defend me or my views. Like you and me, they also all have their flaws and short comings, and I am not a fanatical worshiper of either Phizo or Adino or any other leaders of our nation.
With very sincere respects for an elder brother.

We are aware of your writings appearing in the Nagaland dailies which could make our people confuse and also make a gap between you and the Naga nation. Therefore, we want your valuable time to have free and frank discussion on 2nd September, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. in Transit Peace Camp, Kohima.

You may not have much knowledge about the Naga historical background of the Naga nation because from your youth till your retirement, you were in the service of Government of India. It is natural that the amount you devote your life in another nation’s service the deeper you ought to understand the policy of that nation, likewise the more the Nagas suffered in the hands of India and its Armed Forces the deeper we understand the Naga nation.

The struggle for Naga freedom is more than six decades, still than by God’s grace there are some few national leaders who can share with you the facts and historical background of the Nagas without any reservation.
The Naga nation is not saved by man but it is the purpose of God’s plan to be a nation among nations. Many a time we desire to have an open discussion with intellectual Naga people like you and share the love of God that God had shown to our people doing miracle things in this long journey. We eagerly well-come you to meet us on the appointed date which will bring benefit to both of you and the people of Nagaland. The Naga nation does not belong to only one person but is a common property of every Naga and Nagas as a whole.

A Response to the Open Letter to Thihu Khamo Asst. Secretary, Federal Government of Nagaland

Mr. Assistant Secretary, Federal Government of Nagaland, SIR,

I thank you for your ‘invitation’. While doing so, may I also full heartedly endorse what you have said that “Naga Nation does not belong to only one person but is a common property of every Naga and Nagas as a whole”. It is precisely because of this reason that I have been making efforts within the limits of my understanding to generate a fair open minded public discourse to establish clarity rather than confusion for all our sakes. If you are confused by my points of view it is your responsibility to come and have it clarified, otherwise express your own in the public domain for the people living in the ‘common Naga Nation’ to decide for themselves which of the view is correct, rather than issue an ‘invitational’ summons with a rigid date , time and place to teach me history lessons. I was never too keen in attending class during my collage years and that habit has still not waned. However, since this is a common issue that concerns all the Nagas, I would gladly participate should you call for such a meeting of all the Factions (which should invariably include the Accordist and the Non- Accordist factions of the NNC and the FGN), all the Tribal Hohos and all the other NGOs so that together we can have a full fledged debate to clear our heads.

Thank you for humbling me about my lack of “much knowledge about the Naga historical background of the Naga nation” because from my “youth till my retirement”, I “have been in the service of the Government of India”. I would assume that with your numerous sacrifices for the Nation made from your Transit Peace Camp, Kohima, you would have attained the status of a demi-God by now to know and impose who has and who has no knowledge of the Naga history, especially with a gun in hand. Yes, I readily agree that I don’t know much and have an open mind to always welcome an opportunity to learn more, but certainly not under unhealthy environment. Let me just say this as simply as I can for you to understand that I consider myself as being a thorough Naga with all my limitations. Let me also tell you this, that having served under the Government of India did not necessarily involve a dilution of my pride of my identity as a Naga. Every bit of that service period has been spent to render the best I can for the welfare of the people of Nagaland not any place else. Neither have I served with a closed up mind not to see the blatant hypocrisy within the once proud united national movement and the mockery we have made of the sacrifices of the generation that went before us.

It is very sweet of you to want to “share the love God” with me. Personally I am a God fearing man and I have yet to get over it. Besides, enlightening me alone in some quiet secluded corner would not solve the Naga confusion or problem.

It is your privilege to invite me and it my privilege to humbly decline your invitation. So thank
you again.

Like this:

In September 1946, the Naga National League (NNL) was organized to consolidate the Nagas of Manipur in order to bring together the Naga people separated by colonial boundaries.

The Nagas of Manipur were independent of the Manipur Raja before the advent of the British. Even after the British came, they were administered by the political department of the British Crown. The Manipur Raja and his darbar administered only the valley area till 15th August 1947.
After 15th August 1947, when the paramountcy was transferred to the Maharaja of Manipur without the consent of the hill people, the NNL stated the Nagas of Manipur will not remain with the Meiteis since the latter had never conquered the Nagas and declared that it would be impossible for the Nagas to preserve the best of their culture, tradition, customary laws and political practices should the Naga people and their land be split up and placed under different influence and politics.

The NNL expressed their strong desire to merge with the Naga Hills District of Assam through the BOYCOTT of the preparation of electoral rolls in Naga areas. The first General Election under the Manipur State Constitution Act 1947 was held in June 1948. The Nagas in Manipur boycotted the election.

They thereafter launched the “NO TAX CAMPAIGN” when Maharaj Kumar Priyobrata Singh was the Chief Minister of Manipur. The Campaign was spearheaded by Mr. A. Daiho(Mao) and Mr. N. Modoli(Poumai), President and Secretary respectively of the NNL. The Nagas in Manipur refused to pay the annual House Tax to the Government of Manipur and instead submitted their annual house tax to Charles Pawsey, D.C. of Naga hills of Assam at Kohima.

It was an act of defiance against the Authority of the State, under which the Nagas of Manipur had been placed without their consent. It was also a means of putting pressure on the Indian Government for securing the merger of the Nagas in Manipur with the Naga hills District.
27th August 1948 “ MARTYRS’ DAY” :

The Manipur Maharaja, Budh Chandra sent a combined force of Assam Rifles and Manipur Police to arrest Mr. A.Daiho and other leaders. Equipped with machine guns the Assam Rifles took position in and around Mao Inspection Bungalow in war like fashion and indiscriminately fired at the volunteers/ students of the Mao-Maram Tribal Council (now Mao, Maram, Poumai, Thangal and Upper Zeliang) who were blocking the road leading to the residence of Mr. A. Daiho.
In the firing, the followings were killed/grievously wounded :

Many other male and female volunteers and students received injuries from bullets, rifle butts, lathis, and boots of the Assam Rifles and Manipur Police on that day.

The indiscriminate firings and use of violent force finally succeeded in dispersing the demonstrators and the two leaders viz. Mr. A. Daiho of Song Song village and Mr. N. Modoli of Tunggam village along with Mr Kaikho Dili of Tadubi and Mr Athikho Sibo of Song Song were finally arrested. The arrested leaders, all the dead bodies and injured persons were herded away to Imphal in the Assam Rifles convoy. After being kept at Imphal Central Jail, Mr A. Daiho and Mr. N. Modoli were shifted to Dum Dum(now Kolkata) Central Jail as political prisoners.
In memory and honour of those who suffered and made the ultimate sacrifice for the integration of all Nagas, sixty-six years ago, the Mao Students’ Union has perpetuated this day in memory by observing it as “The Martyrs’ Day”. As the event is a landmark in the history of political movement of the Nagas in Manipur, the observation is being organized this year by the Mao Council under the aegis of the United Naga Council (UNC).

When I am on the road, I see many churches all over Nagaland, some are very big and some are small, but sometimes I wonder, what the hell are these beautiful churches doing? What is the use of all these material things? Do we really have good Christians in Nagaland? Now it is high time that we become Christ oriented not just church buildings. I noticed that some preachers are so concerned about development of the church who just hang around the offices for funds and don’t give a damn about people and the faith, as a result the church produces monsters in the society. Some churches are led by bureaucrats who are supposed to be in office but they just ignore their duty to wear the mask of a good person in the church; we revere and respect those who are ignoring their duty in the office and serving in the church wearing all sorts masks to prove themselves, so we are also not less than these corrupt officials because we are encouraging them. Even thieves look at their leader with great respect, and honour him as if he is the most ethical person in the world knowing very well that he is a thief.

K. N. Kumar an IAS officer said in one of his speeches, ‘It is very sad that today people are building only buildings, we are the government to build people but unfortunately we are just building buildings.’ This person is atheist who openly claims he doesn’t believe in God, but I see God in whatever he does, I see a deep spiritual gifts in him too. He is one of those who has inspired me so much because of his unselfishness, he is changing the face of Meghalaya because of his ethics and purity. In Nagaland hospitals are built uselessly because there is no doctor to serve poor people, there are officials in a certain area where people are so lazy even to go and draw the salary so they ask people to bring it to their homes. After seeing all the suffering of the people, my conclusion is that, if we don’t address the need of desperate people, we will give birth to more desperadoes for more bloodshed. Many people are despaired, and they are the most dangerous people for our tomorrow.
The government never give so much salary to get very rich as to have all the luxury cars and assets which our officials are having, there are shares for even for the poorest and the weakest and the most uneducated people. To get good education and good medical treatment is our fundamental right, we are not asking it from NPF or Congress party, it is from the central government so no one has the right to take it from us.

No matter how far and remote we may be, we deserve a good road because Delhi has sanctioned enough money for it. Had the money been used judiciously, our roads would have been better than the roads of Shillong and Sikkim because the schedule rate for making road in Nagaland is the highest. Nagaland doesn’t need money, we need ethics to build people. NPN

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Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) is constrained to see an article purportedly given by one Mathew Rongmei, alleged to be a senior journalist and claimed resident of Zeliangrong village in his article appeared in Nagaland Post dated August 18,2013, under the caption “Reading View Points On Rongmei Recognition.”

In his article at para 2, Rongmei claimed that “after last assembly decision to recognized a tribe, the issue which might now see and non issue for the government but the volley of frenzied press releases in media distastefully pent-up a social discomfort…… . If Mathew is an indigenous resident of Nagaland, as a claimed senior journalist should/ought to know the day to day proceedings of the State Assembly since all important deliberations are widely publicized. A senior journalist should give a true and correct picture of his reporting’s and not flatter and misguide to his own fellow Rongmeis who are longing and aspiring to be a recognized tribe in Nagaland although they do not have locus standi. NTC has categorically stated that it is not opposed to giving Rongmeis an indigenous inhabitant of Nagaland State who fulfils the criteria of 1977 government Notification but strongly opposed to recognizing as a Tribe.

NTC as congregation of the aboriginal Tribes of Nagaland, none of the constituent members have come across the Nagaland State Assembly passing resolution giving Rongmeis as a recognized Tribe. NTC therefore demands from Mathew Rongmei to provide date, month and the year when the NTC decided to give Rongmeis a recognized Tribe. Mathew Rongmei has self imposed on the Nagaland Legislative Assembly a thing which has not happen misleading the public. This wrong press publication by an alleged senior journalist ought to be taken to task by the appropriate authority concerned. NTC high lights the press fraternity to scrutinize the misleading statement of fellow journalist and discipline the roguish member to safeguard the integrity of the fraternity. (NTC). NPN

Muddled viewpoint on Rongmei recognition or warped views on Rongmei recognition that often appear in media seem to have a tale of mythical ‘Pandora’s Box’ which had unleashed all evil forms known to man, but the last thing that came out was the God of Hope. I am sure concerned people will not take umbrage at my personal opinion that the ‘Rongmei recognition issue’ has been taken pretty a binge in public domain to the much chagrin of Rongmei community of Nagaland.

After last assembly’s decision to recognize the tribe, the issue might now seem a non-issue for the government, but the volley of frenzied press releases in media has distastefully pent-up a social discomfort. I do not really want to trade in argument with, or counter anybody’s opinion. But since a write up: “Rongmei Tribe recognition by ‘deception’: NTC” concerning the minority tribe I belong, was published for public awareness and comments, I wish to broach a few things fleeting my mind.

I hope, readers will take it as sharing of ideas in positive, constructive and impartial way and not otherwise. As I was perusing the newspaper over a cup of tea on Saturday morning, I was tempted to read intensely on the Opinion Page so notably displayed the official texts and scanned signatures of chief minister and his cabinet ministers. The contention of the statement is that the state government had rejected the recommendations made by concerned committees set up by it while taking the decision to recognize the Rongmei tribe. The question of rejection or acceptance is only answerable by the competent authority of the government concerned. My point of view is only confined to texts of the recommendations signed by J.Alam, IAS, Home Commissioner, Khanrinla T.Koza, Addl.Secretary (J&L) and Chubasangla Anar, Joint Secretary (P&AR).

If we read through carefully, the texts in two boxes are speaking almost the same and nowhere have they opposed to recognition of Rongmei tribe but gave the government two options. In plain English, the texts colloquially mean either to recognize Rongmeis as (i) Indigenous inhabitants (i.e. Non-Nagas) or (2) Indigenous inhabitant Naga Tribe of Nagaland. And it was left to the government to decide. The text in the second box says, the recognition is not a legal issue but a political decision. The text in the first box uses the word “If.” “If the Rongmei community is given only the status of indigenous inhabitant, the status would be equivalent to status given to non-Naga.”

This does not mean that the committee has suggested the government to grant non-Naga status to Rongmeis. It could equally mean Rongmeis be given the status of Indigenous Naga tribe. Both the boxes tell that there is a vast difference between the two kinds of status but they do not recommend what kind of status be given to Rongmeis in general (that could mean Rongmeis from Manipur and Assam) but they definitely said that only those Rongmeis of Nagaland living prior to 1963 be given the status of “Indigenous Rongmei Naga Inhabitants of Nagaland.

”Thirdly, in the third box, there is a scanned copy of signatures. Out of space allotted to 16 signatories, 12 signatories have signed including chief minister Neiphiu Rio and his cabinet ministers, and chief secretary Lalthara. I really don’t know how the political or bureaucratic experts or social scientists would lucidly interpret the recommendations of the committee report. I have just mentioned what I understand and feel on the issue placed for public comments. I sincerely hope every reader would appreciate and understand my personal opinion without any prejudices but for the larger interests of the Nagas as one family.

Even if you believe this fact – you need to travel on foot to these villages to feel the reality in your heart as you burn your feet and ache your entire body. The Purul Sub-division in Senapati District is dominated by Poumai Naga tribe with one of the highest population growth rate in India. There are 60 revenue villages and about 40% of the total villages have not Jeepable road during rainy season .

Recently a friend of mine – name John Basho Pou, a Journalist – who loves to preserve the rich traditional culture and an enthusiastic explorer to new places – took a trip together to the eastern parts of Poumai Naga dominated areas to see the ground reality of these villages.For the first time – the Bus commenced to ply from Senapati Headquarter to Lakhamai village in 2004. However till today, no Jeep or TATA Sumo is plyable during the rainy season. Most of the village in Chiliive circle (Purul Sub-division) are located around 60-70 Kms away from Senapati Headquarter.

In 1990s people traveled on foot around 14-16 hours to catch the Bus from NH39 at Maram Bazar. Just ponder how the villagers from Songdo, Thiwa, Ngari, Khongdei, Kodom, Ngamju etc still travel around 6-8 hours on foot to catch the Bus from the nearest village Bus station (Purul village).

As there is no Bus service from Senapati to Sirong village, which is one of the main village to reach the other villages. We took a TATA Sumo from Senapati and went to Sirong village (original village of NSCN leader Muivah, before migrated to Ukhrul District).

We were excited as we reached Sirong village since we’ve never been to this circle also we are going to travel on foot and encounter the ground reality. From Sirong village – we went on foot to Khongdei (Dumai) village, which took around two and half hours.

The Kutcha Road is small and copious with bushes; it is also sloping steep from Sirong to Iril River and from Iril River to Khondei village. From Khongdei village, we went on foot to Kodom Khavii, Kodom Khullen, Lakhamai and back to Sirong village. However we are regretted for we could not go to Songdo village (Poumai Indigenous Salt producing village) and other villages like, Thiwa, Ngari village etc due to rain and exhaustion.

As we traveled in the wilderness – we heard the sweet song of Cicada, birds and other wild animals. If John Keats or Alfred Tennyson or any poet would have travel on this less travel road – they would have composed a beautiful poem. However we had recorded only the sweet song of Cicada in my friend’s type recorder as a memento of our trip to less trodden road.

The Bus ply in the Kutcha Road from Maram Bazar (NH39) to Purul village is in a pathetic condition forget about plying the buses after Purul village.

In this computer era – when people possess their own Helicopter and Mercedes – some of the villagers in Chiliive circle have not even seen the Bus – forget about travelling by Bus from their villages to District Headquarter.

As we talked to the village authorities (Gaonboras) and asked about their problem – the villagers are crying for help to construct the bus playable road linking to their villages from Senapati Headquarter. It seems the villages in this areas are the forgotten villages in Manipur.

In this less or less trodden road – how many Politicians, Political leaders, NGOs, Government Officers etc have travel on foot to these villages? Who dare to travel on foot to see the ground reality or have the patient to listen the grievances of these villagers? In this less educated villages – who will voice their grievances in local or national Newspaper?

This year there was an epidemic occurred in some villages but it was reported very late to the concern officers. There was also drought in some villages in this area but only God knows and who else will know. There is Primary Health Sub-Center in some villages but there is not Doctor or Nurse.

Due to road transportation and communication problems – many villagers also died every year as they cannot take the sick people to the district hospitable.

The newly constructing road from Senapati Headquarter to Phaibung village is going to pass through many villages in this areas but only God knows when it will be completed and ply the bus.

If the present constructing road is successful – it would ease the problem of travelling on foot on this areas. Not only ease the problem of travelling on foot but it would also boost their economic life as there is great potentiality of truck farming in these villages.

Once the road transportation is improved and commence the truck farming in these villages – it would be a great help to many people in Imphal, Senapati, Kohima and Dimapur to get fresh vegetables in abundant. Vegetables farming is possible to carry out in some villages in Mao-Maram and Paomata Sub-division as there is better road transportation and marketing facilities.

Once the Mao’s potatoes, cabbage, plum etc were very popular in Manipur and Nagaland due to high quality and cheap availability. But today the Poumai’s Potatoes and Cabbages are becoming more popular in Imphal, Senapati, Kohima and Dimapur as the farmers do not use the chemical fertilizers and it is cheaply available with high quality.

In Paomata sub-division a village name Tungjoy is very famous of cabbage cultivation. On an average they earned around 40-50 thousand rupees per year from cabbage cultivation. The Poumai Naga tribe has one of the biggest cultivable farm land in Senapati District and there is great potentiality to do truck farming both in Paomata and Purul Sub-division once there is good road transportation and communication facilities.

In conclusion, I would like to suggest many things to be done for these poor villages like construction of road, regular electricity, medical facilities, educational institution etc.

However the present urgent need is to have good road transportation. Therefore I would like to request and suggest the Government of Manipur, local politicians, political leaders, Poumai Masou Me (Poumai Naga Union), Poumai Tsiidoumai Me (Poumai Students Union) and the public leaders to seriously consider the urgent need of these villages and construct the bus plyable road.

As I mentioned above – once there is good road transportation in these areas, there will surplus fresh vegetables in Imphal, Senapati, Kohima and Dimapur through out the year, which will be a great benefit to these villagers and to the people in the periphery villages and towns.
_________________________________
Written on 17th Dec.05
Source: epao.net
R.B. Thohe Pou, a resident of Manipur, contributes regularly to e-pao.net
You can email the writer at thohepou@rediffmail.com
This article was webcasted on 07th January 2006.

The Naga struggle for freedom has endured for more than half a century. The Nagas across the length and breadth without territorial demarcation or geographical distinction has concertedly been waving the liberation flag so far.

Despite application of overwhelming draconian militarism by Myanmar and India to subdue Naga’s struggle, the struggle has progressed from strength to strength rather than being extinguished.

The unwavering commitment of the Nagas in pursuit of its national goal and the futility of India and Myanmar to militarily suppress the struggle has obliged even these two invading nation to acknowledge the issue as “Political” requiring political solution.

After the political fiasco of India orchestrated 1975 Accord with NNC/FGN, the national mantle passed on to NSCN.

The political process with the GOI thus was revived through the initiative of NSCN(s) in 1997 and 2001 respectively and was followed by another landmark political achievement under the aegis of SS. Khaplang- the establishment of political breakthrough with the most hostile Myanmar Junta.

Regardless of frustrated rhetoric targeting SS. Khaplang and NSCN as having connivance with Myanmar and giving up of Indo-Naga issue, the historic signing of ceasefire between Naga and Myanmar in the year 2012 without doubt scripted new chapter in the history of Naga political sojourn. This event do brings to the fore the international significance of Naga issue and in particular it’s crucial implication to regional peace and stability in South-East Asia.

The South Asian countries look East enthusiasm and the fact that Naga’s strategic geo-political location being inevitable for connectivity between these landmasses and the more significant relevance to Indo-Naga-Myanmar political situation is the undeniable truth that NSCN under SS.Khaplang practically holds sway over the entire stretch of unexplored virgin land-locked mineral rich area. Myanmar governance in this area is only symbolic in nature, else NSCN has been maintaining deep rooted de-facto rule for decades altogether.

The need for India and Myanmar to seriously engage the NSCN is not a mere political hypothesis but drawn from the factual political assessment lest the issue is exploded to international controversy. It may therefore be concluded that NSCN/GPRN under SS. Khaplang’s leadership holds key to India’s North-East political problem, India’s look East policy and her National Security as well.

Where as for the Nagas in India, though utopian in concept as it may appear now, a day would come when they would flock to the East (Myanmar occupied Nagaland) to grab a share of it’s natural resources dispensation as and when political stability and political solution is achieved. Visionless and materialistic Nagas may continue to decry SS.Khaplang’s pan-Naga political approach as of now in order to justify their eager preparedness to give up Naga’s birth right for a pittance from India, but time and history shall be the witness.

As for the NSCN/GPRN, the struggle shall continue no matter how illusive or distant the destination may appear, no matter the solution comes in our time or never, the legacy passed on to us shall be handed over to the posterity without blemish and betrayal.

The stand of NSCN on Naga struggle therefore should not be a cause of apprehension to any other Naga political group engaged in political process with India.

Any settlement that may arrive between India and other Naga political groups, the NSCN/GPRN would never stand in a way nor would be to deterred to give up the Naga cause.